Cancer drug could supercharge malaria treatment and beat resistance

NCT ID NCT07559370

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Victoria Biomedical Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether adding imatinib, a drug currently used for cancer, to the standard malaria treatment (artemether + lumefantrine) can clear the malaria parasite faster and fight drug resistance. About 1,100 adults with mild to moderate malaria will receive either the standard 3-day treatment or a 2-day combination with imatinib. Researchers will check safety, how quickly parasites disappear, and whether the infection comes back.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Imatinib mesylate combined with artemether and lumefantrine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could lead to a shorter, more effective malaria treatment that also helps stop the spread of drug-resistant parasites.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 2 trial, so the added benefit of imatinib is not yet proven. There may be side effects from the combination, and results may not apply to all malaria patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

malaria Plasmodium falciparum malaria

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MALARIA (PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Victoria Biomedical Research Institute
RECRUITING

Kisumu, 40100, Kenya

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